FLORIDA — Five members of an alleged organized retail theft ring are facing charges for stealing more than $400,000 in merchandise across 25 Florida counties, Attorney General Ashley Moody announced.
The defendants, identified as Yordan Rayo-Correoso, Erick Igorra-Viera, Jose Jiklin Palmero Bazan, Tomas Baujin-Marrero, and Yereslan Gonzalez-Padron, are accused of committing over 200 thefts during a 15-month spree.
The thefts reportedly targeted retailers, including T.J. Maxx, Ulta Beauty, Burlington, Target, Bealls, and Kohl’s.
Attorney General Ashley Moody’s Office of Statewide Prosecution, working with the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, charged the suspects.
According to investigators, the group operated in Alachua, Broward, Collier, Duval, Hillsborough, Lee, Leon, Marion, Miami-Dade, Okaloosa, Orange, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Polk, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Seminole, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Volusia, Wakulla, Walton, and Washington counties.
The suspects allegedly removed anti-theft tags from items such as clothing, purses, and shoes, placed the merchandise in suitcases or hampers, and walked out without paying.
“This organized crime ring traveled the state, stealing from hundreds of stores and causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in losses to retailers. Through our proactive statewide strategic efforts, coordinating with law enforcement and retailers, we have dismantled this massive crime ring, and now the members will face justice,” said Attorney General Moody.
Mr Rayo-Correoso faces 15 counts of organized retail theft, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and other charges. Mr Igorra-Viera is charged with eight counts of organized retail theft, grand theft, and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
Mr Bazan faces two counts of organized retail theft, while Mr Baujin-Marrero is charged with two counts of organized retail theft.
Ms Gonzalez-Padron faces four counts of organized retail theft, grand theft, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and other charges.
Four of the five defendants are in custody, while one remains at large. Mr. Bazan and Ms. Gonzalez-Padron are being held under a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer.
The Florida Organized Retail Crime Exchange (FORCE), a database launched in partnership with the Florida Retailers Association, played a key role in the investigation by identifying trends and suspects.
